Deron Williams ‘Probably’ Would Have Re-Signed if Nets Traded for Dwight Howard

In an effort to show him just how much he matters to their future, the New Jersey Nets have given point guard Deron Williams the unofficial title of “assistant GM.” Be that as it may, DWill could leave the Nets high and dry this summer, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

“People get traded all the time,” Williams said. “They don’t get backlash as an organization. If [players] leave, we are not loyal, we are ungrateful. People say stuff to me on Twitter. They already think I’m gone. They are out there bashing me, saying to me I’m a traitor. I didn’t ask to be here. I got traded. I didn’t come here being a free agent. This is the first time that I’m a free agent in my career.”

While Howard was intrigued by New Jersey, the NBA’s most dominant center ultimately opted in to his contract for at minimum next season with the Magic. “It’s a decision he made for himself,” Williams said. “I really have no comment on it. He did what was best for him. I respect that. I’m still friends with him. Oh yeah, it definitely would have changed things. I’ve already made it known that if he would have come I probably would have stayed.”

Deron Williams goes on to say that, nearing 28 years of age, he has to be extremely careful about where he signs his next contract, as he enters the prime of his career and feels a desperate need to win, and win big.

Can GM Billy King convince Deron Williams that tying his future to this franchise is the best course of action for his career?

It’s going to be one long, stress-filled summer for the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets.